Start vs. Sit: 2 must-plays and who to avoid in Week 21

Week 21 of CFL Weekly Fantasy will likely see several playoff-bound teams rest their starters in the final week of the regular season.

While we say goodbye to a host of names that defined the 2026 CFL Fantasy campaign, the final edition of Start vs. Sit gives us some players whose salaries make for excellent bargains.

CFL WEEKLY FANTASY

START

BRYSON BARNES | QUARTERBACK | OTTAWA REDBLACKS

The newcomer could run for mayor after guiding the REDBLACKS to their first win of the season in a 40-39 thriller over the Argos. In his first career start, Bryson Barnes completed 27 of 37 passes for 339 yards and a pair of majors and added a team-best 62 yards on the ground, helping Ottawa snap a 0-16 start.

It’s hard to envision anyone but Barnes starting at Hamilton on Saturday. With both teams looking ahead to 2027, the stage is set for Barnes to utilize a solid receiving corps while building a case to compete for the starting job next year. Taking a risk on Barnes is a play worth taking.

SHUNDERRICK POWELL | RUNNING BACK | EDMONTON ELKS

Justin Rankin will likely get an extra week of rest leading into the Western Final on November 7. That opens the door for ShunDerrick Powell to be one of the better fantasy plays of the final weekend.

Powell had just four touches for 19 scrimmage yards in Week 20 but turned one of his receptions into an eight-yard touchdown. He has scored majors in consecutive weeks and should see an extensive dose of touches against the Roughriders. He’s worth $5,700 this week, making him a solid low-end anchor for your fantasy lineup.

SIT

KAIDON SALTER | QUARTERBACK | BC LIONS

No one will question Kaidon Salter’s ability to wreck defences as a runner. Salter averages 10.9 yards per carry and has turned 11 of his 19 rushing attempts into at least 10 yards. He scored 26.3 Fantasy Points in Week 9, as he carved the Winnipeg defence for 160 rushing yards and a major.

Salter’s passing, however, makes playing him risky as the replacement for Nathan Rourke against the Blue Bombers on Friday. He’s completed just 52 per cent of his passes for a paltry 7.9 yards per attempt. Winnipeg has something (read: a playoff spot) to play for and will force Salter to defeat them with his arm rather than his legs. There will be better options at pivot in Week 21, especially with the Lions benching their offensive starters.

DUSTIN CRUM | QUARTERBACK | MONTREAL ALOUETTES

Like Salter, Dustin Crum has built his reputation on his running ability. He filled in for Davis Alexander in the Week 20 loss to Saskatchewan, scoring just 14.5 Fantasy Points and accounting for only one touchdown in the 16-12 loss.

Alexander may get a series or two that keeps him in tune before the Eastern Final on November 7, but Crum will likely receive the bulk of the snaps. Although the Argos’ defence will comprise mostly reserves, Crum and his salary-friendly $5,000 won’t translate into the calibre of production Alexander has amassed this season.